Judge sentences Vacaville man with 10 DUI convictions to 5 years

FAIRFIELD — A Vacaville man with 10 convictions for driving under the influence was sentenced Thursday in Solano County Superior Court to a maximum five-year prison sentence for drunken driving.

Steven Mark Henson, 54, spoke in court before his sentencing and said he’s been drinking since he was 9, that both his parents were alcoholics and he’s sorry for what he did.

“Now I’m looking at prison again,” he said.

Henson was arrested Jan. 19 in Vacaville on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Melanie Collins, deputy public defender, argued against the five-year prison term while Rashaan Jones, deputy district attorney, noted the defendant’s three prior prison terms and said five years is appropriate.

Not going to argue with you people this is my 2 centsMay 23, 2014 - 2:31 am

GemmaMay 23, 2014 - 6:50 am

@ Not going-I completely agree with you, but at least it wasn't the judge being lax. She imposed the max sentence, so somehow, we need the max sentence to be modified. There are way too many people getting way too many DUI's, and it leaves you wondering-"How are they always on the streets able to continue getting them?" Where's the punishment normal people are afraid of receiving, for driving drunk?" Innocent people die at the hands of drunk drivers every single day, and I can see why now. Barely a tap on the wrist for them. It's disgusting.

My2centsMay 23, 2014 - 7:26 am

I enjoy reading my paper and commenting on stories that peek my interest. Recently however, I have noticed that another person has adopted the habit of posting comments that include my blog name "my2cents." I will post under another name in the future so the person who has adopted the name can pursue her agenda.

2realMay 23, 2014 - 6:14 am

CD BrooksMay 23, 2014 - 6:18 am

This has to be among the most embarrassing not to mention st*pid cases in Solano County court system. This is not as uncommon as we may want to believe and why we continue having DUI arrests across the country. This is precisely the reason traffic enforcement is necessary and a deterrent to other crimes. The penalties are not strong enough or enforced to maximum potential. It is sad to think that some of us or our family may be killed because of this attitude.

GemmaMay 23, 2014 - 6:54 am

CD-I know of someone with more DUI's than this guy. In court he told the judge he wouldn't quit drinking, so he could go to prison, then be released without monitoring of any kind. After that, of course he continued to drink, and get caught, but that didn't stop him from drinking and driving with a child in the car, crashing the car, and this county tapped him on the wrist, and sent him on his way, so he could continue what he's been doing.